Research Associate Co-Op, Osteoimmunology

About the role

Keros Therapeutics, a public, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a passionate and motivated Co-Op Research Associate to join our preclinical research team. The successful candidate will contribute to impactful preclinical research and scientific studies in muscle biology, bone, and immunology to help advance our innovative pipeline. This co-op offers immersive, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo procedures in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory setting, along with comprehensive scientific mentorship, engagement with multidisciplinary project teams, and exposure to pioneering research at the intersection of discovery and patient care.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro and ex vivo laboratory research, including cell culture, RNA isolation, and gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR.
• Execute in vitro assays (e.g., Western blot, ELISA) to assess protein expression and therapeutic activity.
• Conduct antibody staining and flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow stem cells and other cell types.
• Maintain clear, accurate experimental records and summarize results in study reports.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings, providing updates and presenting data.
• Troubleshoot experiments and propose solutions based on literature and team discussions.
• Uphold laboratory safety protocols and Keros Therapeutics’ standards for scientific rigor and documentation.

Core Competencies (Required Skills)

• Proficiency in cell culture and sterile technique.
• Familiarity with molecular biology methods (e.g., RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA).
• Ability to perform antibody staining and flow cytometry, or strong willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of summarizing and presenting scientific data.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, with a high degree of honesty, integrity, and scientific curiosity.
• Team player, open to feedback, and willing to collaborate across various departments.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience in a laboratory setting.
• Interest in stem cell, bone, or muscle biology.
• Experience with data analysis and presentation software (MS Office, GraphPad Prism, etc.).
• Previous exposure to drug discovery or biopharmaceutical research.

Education Requirements

Current undergraduate or graduate student majoring in animal science, biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field.